Hoisin sauce is a key condiment in Chinese and Southeast Asian cooking. It has a sweet and salty flavor and adds a unique depth to dishes. While hoisin sauce is an essential ingredient in many recipes, not everyone has access to it. Fortunately, there are several great substitutes for hoisin sauce that can be used in its place. In this article, we will explore the best substitutes for hoisin sauce and how to use them.
What Is Hoisin Sauce?
In Chinese and Southeast Asian cooking, people widely utilize hoisin sauce as a popular condiment. It comes to life through the fermentation of soybeans, garlic, chilies, and assorted spices. Hoisin sauce brings forth a delightful blend of sweetness and saltiness, accompanied by a subtle spiciness. It commonly serves as a dipping sauce for dumplings, a marinade for stir-fries, and a glaze for grilled meats.
What Are the Best Substitutes for Hoisin Sauce?
There are several great substitutes for hoisin sauce that can be used in its place. These substitutes include oyster sauce, plum sauce, hoisin paste, char siu sauce, and barbecue sauce. Let’s take a closer look at each of these substitutes.
Oyster Sauce
Oyster sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese cooking. It is made from oyster extract, sugar, salt, and sometimes fermented soybeans. It has a sweet, salty, and umami flavor. Oyster sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for dumplings, a marinade for stir-fries, and a glaze for grilled meats.
Plum Sauce
Plum sauce, a delectable condiment with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, is crafted using plums, vinegar, sugar, and an assortment of spices. Possessing a delightful sweet and sour flavor, with a touch of spice, plum sauce offers a versatile range of uses. It seamlessly transitions from being a delectable dipping sauce for dumplings to an exceptional marinade for stir-fries, and even a delectable glaze for grilled meats.
Hoisin Paste
Hoisin paste is a thick, spicy condiment made from fermented soybeans, garlic, and chilies. It has a sweet and spicy flavor. Hoisin paste can be used as a dipping sauce for dumplings, a marinade for stir-fries, and a glaze for grilled meats.
Char Siu Sauce
Char siu sauce is a sweet and savory condiment made from soy sauce, sugar, hoisin sauce, and various spices. It has a sweet and salty flavor with a hint of spice. Char siu sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for dumplings, a marinade for stir-fries, and a glaze for grilled meats.
Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce is a sweet and tangy condiment made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and various spices. Notably, it carries a distinct sweet and smoky flavor that sets it apart. This sauce serves multiple purposes, functioning as a delightful dipping sauce for dumplings, a flavorful marinade for stir-fries, and an exceptional glaze for grilled meats. Its wide range of applications makes it a go-to option for adding a touch of richness and flavor to various dishes.
| Oyster Sauce | Plum Sauce | Hoisin Paste | Char Siu Sauce (Barbecue Sauce) | Hoisin Sauce | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Oyster extract, sugar, salt | Plums, vinegar, sugar, spices | Fermented soybeans, garlic, chilies, sugar | Hoisin paste, honey, soy sauce | Fermented soybeans, garlic, chilies, vinegar, sugar, various spices |
| Flavor | Savory, slightly sweet, umami | Sweet, tangy, subtle spice | Sweet, savory, slightly spicy | Sweet, savory, smoky | Sweet, tangy, savory, hint of spice |
| Usage | Seasoning, marinade, stir-fry ingredient | Dipping sauce, marinade, glaze | Cooking ingredient, marinade | Glaze, marinade, dipping sauce | Dipping sauce, marinade, glaze |
| Consistency | Liquid | Thick, syrup-like | Thick, concentrated paste | Varies (can be thick or thin) | Liquid |
| Common Pairings | Meat, seafood, vegetables, noodles | Dumplings, spring rolls, stir-fries | Stir-fries, marinades, glazes | Roast pork, ribs, chicken | Peking duck, spring rolls, stir-fries, barbecue |
| Sweetness | Mild | Prominent sweetness | Sweet | Sweet, smoky | Balanced sweetness with savory elements |
| Tanginess | – | Subtle tanginess | – | – | Tangy |
| Spice Level | – | Subtle spice | – | – | Hint of spice |
How to Substitute for Hoisin Sauce
When substituting for hoisin sauce, it is important to consider the flavor profile of the dish. For instance, if the dish is savory, then oyster sauce or char siu sauce would be a good substitute. If the dish is sweet, then plum sauce or barbecue sauce would be a better option. The amount of substitute used should also be adjusted to match the flavor of the dish.
Tips for Substituting Hoisin Sauce
When substituting for hoisin sauce, there are a few tips to keep in mind. First, it is important to adjust the amount of substitute used to match the flavor of the dish. Second, it is important to consider the flavor profile of the dish when selecting a substitute. Third, it is helpful to add a few drops of soy sauce to the substitute to give it a richer flavor.
Conclusion
Hoisin sauce is an essential condiment in Chinese and Southeast Asian cooking. It has a sweet and salty flavor and adds a unique depth to dishes. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to hoisin sauce. Fortunately, there are several great substitutes for hoisin sauce that can be used in its place. Oyster sauce, plum sauce, hoisin paste, char siu sauce, and barbecue sauce are all great substitutes for hoisin sauce. When substituting for hoisin sauce, it is important to consider the flavor profile of the dish and adjust the amount of substitute used. With these tips in mind, you can easily substitute for hoisin sauce and create delicious dishes.
